Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Working as both a cartoonist and as a writer, the American novelist Dana Simpson has been changing the face of the modern graphic-novel for quite some time now, with her somewhat subversive, but highly successful and articulate take on the formula that has been delighting readers both young and old from all across the world, largely due to her universal and timeless appeal. Citing a number of different influences, such as ‘Peanuts’ along with ‘The Simpsons’, she has followed on in their footsteps, as she’s ultimately created her own unique style and voice in the process. With a message to deliver that’s both strong and articulate, she never fails to entertain her young audience, thanks to her compassion and empathy, these being qualities that leap out from every page. Using rich and vibrant visuals that grab the readers attention, she manages to combine her illustrations with engaging characters and fun narratives that draws her audience into another world, not letting go until the very final page. Setting up enduring leading protagonists as well, her characters are iconic as, whilst being fantastical on the surface, they speak to the reader on a very real level that resonates with them emotionally. Well known for her books, she has also managed to build an online presence as well, with her highly successful web-comic series that’s also steadily built a strong a loyal following worldwide over the years. Some of her comic-strips have also used political commentaries as well, as she has a strong voice of her own which she’s not afraid to share through her work thanks to her uncompromising approach, This has lead to her becoming one of the foremost figures currently working within the industry to date, as she has joined the ranks of many other greats in her fields, thus ensuring a legacy for many years to come.

Early and Personal Life

Born in Pullman, Washington, in the United States, Dana Simpson would grow up in the area of Gig Harbor. Going on to attend Evergreen State College she would harness a lifelong passion for drawing and art over the years. This would be a constant interest of hers, something which would also inform much of how she would look at the world.

Still writing to this very day she currently resides in Santa Barbara, California, in the United States. Living with her husband Dave Brodbeck she continues to put out work at a regular pace. With more books set to come out on the horizon it appears that she’s not stopping any time soon, as her career grows from strength-to-strength.

Writing Career

Starting out in 1998 she would draw the comic-strip ‘Ozy and Millie’, a highly popular online cartoon which ran until 2008. She would also create ‘I Drew This’ along with ‘Raine Dog’, cartoons which had both political commentary and drama. A gifted comic writer, though, she would go on to be commissioned to writer the much lover ‘Heavenly Nostrils’ after submitting the idea to ‘Comic Strip Superstar’ in 2009 for Amazon.

Creating a name and brand for herself she would go on to become one of the leading figures within her industry. Garnering both critical and commercial success, she would become a highly acclaimed author of children’s literature. This is now set to continue on into the foreseeable future for many years to come.

Phoebe and Her Unicorn

Brought out through the ‘Andrews McMeel Publishing’ group, this was the first book to come out from Dana Simpson as a fully fledged author, as well as it being the first in the series of ‘Heavenly Nostrils’ books. Setting up a classic story of a young girl with her magical unicorn, it’s a somewhat simple premise on the surface, but contains a whole other level underneath, as it provides classic tales of friendship and self-discovery, as they come together for a series of books that are timeless in their nature. Originally released on the 2nd of September in 2014, this was published to an already eager audience, thanks to her online fandom which she had already built, and one which she didn’t disappoint. Establishing the characters and introducing them for the very first time, it manages to set them up, thus leaving an open ended narrative that could be developed over the subsequent series of books. It would also work at building the world that they were both set to inhabit, thus giving the readers a clear idea of what to expect in the future, as well as providing a fun and engaging story.

Skipping stones across a lake one day the young Phoebe never expected to hit a magical unicorn in the face accidentally, let alone be granted a wish because of it. That’s what happens though, as she then uses the wish to make the unicorn, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils her obligatory best friend in the whole world, as the nine-year old and the supposedly mythical beast then share an adventure together. They then come to wonder if they really can form a true bond despite their differences, something which they overcome as they start to realize just how lonely they were before and just how much they needed one another. Will they be able to cure each other of loneliness and be true best friends? Can they overcome all the fun adventures that they face together? What will become of Phoebe and her unicorn?

Unicorn on a Roll

Once again brought out through the ‘Andrews McMeel Publishing’ label, this was to be a direct sequel to the first, as it continued the adventures of Phoebe and Marigold. Taking more of a look at the perils of school this time, it would venture into another world that was different and unique, creating a new perspective and a fresh outlook for the reader. First released on the 26th of May in 2015, this was to be another imaginative adventure, taking the reader on a journey, as they saw the friendship and bond grow even more between the two best friends.

Following on one year from the first, Phoebe and Marigold the unicorn are both still best friends, as Phoebe now contends with school and her ‘frenemy’ there called Dakota. Railing against the school cliques and immersing herself in homework and far-fetched conspiracy theories, she keeps herself busy, but not too busy for Marigold. Navigating the world of school they find themselves on all sorts of adventures, as they both face the both face the oncoming holidays together. Will they be able to overcome the school nose-picking scandal known as ‘Boogergate’? Who is Marigold’s secret crush and how will the other unicorns help her? What will happen with a unicorn on a roll?

Master of the standalone thriller genre, Shari Lapena, is back. Author of The Couple Next Door and A Stranger in the House, An Unwanted Guest is the latest novel by Shari. It takes place in a cozy mountain lodge in Winter where various people are staying for a romantic getaway. A blizzard cuts off the power and any contact with the outside world so everyone settles in for the long haul. Then a guest dies. And another. Knowing Shari's other books, this should be one we'll be reading late into the night. For more details or to pre-order, visit our Shari Lapena page.

Recommendations

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MISSING A BOOK?

I do my best to make sure the book lists are complete and current, but due to human or machine error while attempting to keep 3000+ authors up to date, the occasional book can be missed or will be listed under an alternate title. If you see one missing just send me an e-mail below. Thanks!

Author / Series

Book(s)

Featured Series

Our book series of the month is the Will Robie Series by David Baldacci. If you like Mitch Rapp, Jack Reacher, Jason Bourne etc then you'll love the Will Robie series. These are page turners to the max too and Baldacci knows how to keep you going all night long!

Featured Author

Bill Wenham is the author of various book series including The Inspector Charrington Mysteries and the Inspector Bruce Mysteries. He just started writing in his 80s to follow a life long dream. It’s an amazing story and the books he has written are pretty great too – his passion really shines through. Read more about Bills books.

Did You Know…

Besides short story and novel writing, Clive Barker has been actively involved in screenwriting and film production. His early screenplays include Underworldand Rawhead Rex but after witnessing the disappointing picturization of his work, Barker went on to discover the art of filmmaking on his own. He produced The Forbidden and Salome to lukewarm response. He also directed several of the stories from The Book of Blood. Two of his acclaimed major motion pictures include Candyman series and the Hellraiser.